Bringing Out the Best in Each Other

My Take a Break podcast has provided a platform for me to have conversations with some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. In many cases, it has even turned strangers into friends just through the simple act of conversation and shared experiences. 

Sometimes, though, I love bringing in people I’m already friends with but whose stories I believe need to be heard by the wider world. Jessica Rumfallo is a recent example. We sat down together for a chat that really exemplified the importance of friendship and opening the door for deep, vulnerable conversations.

After she left an abusive relationship, Jess became an entrepreneur extraordinaire: she launched her own business running beauty studios, built a following of her own lash customers, began investing in real estate, and even does a bit of mortgage lending. As a lash client myself, I can attest to Jess’s unique ability to make women feel their best not only on the outside but also on the inside: she really cares about the people she works with and customizes her work to make sure they feel like the best version of themselves when they leave her studio. Particularly as women, this is something that we all have the opportunity to provide. We can and should focus on how we can bring out the best in each other. Think about it: how are you showing up in your friendships? 

Try it yourself: 

• Help other people gain skills. Jess always has people around who are learning from her and who she hopes will one day work across various areas of her business. No matter what our work looks like, we all have certain unique skills that others would love to gain. Think about what that might look like for you: how could you share what you know with others? 

• Tune out distractions. This might sound funny given that this particular conversation with Jess was held in the presence of a lot of technology, but challenge yourself to schedule time with your friends in a distraction-free zone. You might be surprised by how offering your undivided attention might encourage the people you love to open up and share requests for support.

• Share your struggles. One of the things Jess and I talked about was how as mothers (both with very large families), we savor time spent driving alone – often to or from work – because it gives us time to think, meditate, or listen to podcasts. Without being honest about that and realizing that people we love and respect feel the same way, it could be easy to get into a habit of negative self-talk or feel isolated and alone in our struggles. Don’t be afraid to share your vulnerabilities with people you trust; they just might be feeling the same way.